On a toasty July day in 2021, little did we know that God had bigger plans than a simple game of volleyball. While down on one knee (Ashlyn jokes that she already had me on one knee the day we met) hammering a volleyball pole into the ground, I noticed an unfamiliar voice approaching and was curious if this woman was joining our group for volleyball that night. Fortunately, a friend that was standing beside of me called her over, and on a sunny evening within Jefferson Park in Richmond, VA, Ashlyn and I first met. We lost track of time talking as our mutual friend called us out to start playing volleyball. Our connection was easy and instant, and it was evident that would not be our last conversation.

During this time, we were a part of an incredible young adults group at our church. Every other week was volleyball night, and we used this time (as well as other gatherings) to live in community and also to get to know each other. From worship nights to exploring the Virginia State Fair to game nights to paddling trips on the Shenandoah river, this was a time of excitement and growing friendship.

In October of 2021, Ashlyn and I went on our first official “date” to the Richmond Folk Festival. Knowing that we both share an appreciation of bluegrass and stringed instruments, I was sure we would find something enjoyable! While eating tacos beside the James River, we talked for several hours about our families, lives, and of course – shared our best “dad jokes” (I still think I won this one with “How does a mermaid clean her flipper? With Tide!”). At this point, it was becoming more and more apparent of our invisible threads – also known as “Secret Threads” by C.S. Lewis – That illuminated our shared desires. Desires that ultimately pointed us to the One that fulfills all desire – Christ. It was becoming abundantly clear how comfortable we were around each other! God had been preparing us both in a season of singleness to cherish our salvation and new life in Jesus and to continue to run the race looking to Him. We saw in this intentional time that we were running in the same direction.

Throughout our time of dating, we have been able to enjoy many shared interests. Getting outside in God’s creation – whatever the activity may look like – has always been high on our list. Whenever it comes to hiking, Ashlyn never turns it down and is always up for a challenge! (Thankfully for her, she grew up in the mountains and she just has legs built for it, I suppose). Fairly recently we have discovered just how fun (and how much of a workout) mountain biking can be. Whatever the challenge and activity may be, we always seem to find the reward – whether it be a glorious sunset, a treasure found along the trail, or getting to pet the dog that comes up in a happy-go-lucky fashion. These rewards are great, though we know that being outside and in creation draws us closer to the Lord – simply knowing that every moment and life itself is truly a miracle.

There is one thing that is certain about seasons of life – change is inevitable. Over the months ahead, Ashlyn and I encountered several different chapters of life- many challenging and others full of joy. To start, Ashlyn completed her master’s degree in genetic counseling from VCU in Richmond, Virginia. This was an exciting time considering Ashlyn’s childhood medical experience and the calling that the Lord had placed on her life through her experience (See https://medschool.vcu.edu/news/stories/finding-purpose-masters-graduate-ashlyn-stackhouse/ to learn more of Ashlyn’s wonderful story). During many evenings, you could find us sitting at the overlook level in the apartment building that Ashlyn lived in at the time, overlooking Richmond. Ashlyn would typically use that space to study and as long as I was not reading or studying myself, many times you could find her lecturing me on genetics – this was her preferred method of studying and learning. Considering the breadth of topics I learned, perhaps I should receive an honorary degree! When watching Ashlyn cross the stage during graduation, it only became more apparent at how valued she was by her professors and other classmates through this season of school. It became more evident the impact she leaves wherever she goes.

During this time, I was also studying to take the next step in my career and to hopefully find something with more stability. The Lord certainly provided as he opened the door for both Ashlyn and I to work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In July of 2022, I accepted an IT engineering role, and Ashlyn accepted a pediatric genetic counseling role.

On the sunny morning of April 29th, 2023 Ashlyn and I went to one of our favorite spots on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Grandview overlook, near Boone, NC, has nearly endless mountainous views that fade into the horizon. On one side near the overlook, there is a unique tree that at one point or another seemed to have been struck by lightning. Because of this, the inside of the large tree is nearly hollowed out, and you can literally stand inside of it! It was beside this tree that I then asked Ashlyn to marry me. It was a beautiful spring day, which we had scheduled to later meet her family at nearby Grandfather Mountain. Later that day, we had a joyous time at our favorite festival—MerleFest!

As we began to pray about where God wanted us to plant our lives, He opened the door for me to purchase a very special house. It is the house right next door to Ashlyn’s childhood home in North Wilkesboro, NC. An older couple, the Sammons, lived in this home during Ashlyn’s childhood. The Sammons became like family to her family. Ashlyn and her brother spent a lot of time at their house. The Sammons had moved years ago to be closer to their own family and I had the pleasure of meeting them both last year before they passed away. With the desire to carry on their legacy of love and create more precious memories, Ashlyn and I will both make this house our home together once we are married June 15th 2024.

We are looking forward to what the Lord has in store in our marriage and are grateful for Him placing each and every one of you in our lives. We would appreciate your prayers as the Lord prepares and sustains us in this season. We hope to celebrate with you in June!